Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
This Online Group Encourages People To Live Frugally, And Here Are 50 Of Their Best Money-Saving Hacks (New Pics)
We arguably live in a throwaway culture in the West: instead of fixing or upscaling things, we tend to buy new products. And many of us spend money on frivolous things, left, right, and center. That new phone that just came out? That cutting-edge fashion statement of a coat? We’ve got to have them. Here and now. However, there is a different way to live.
The r/Frugal subreddit is here to save the day (and your wallet). A community of over 2 million dedicated members, it’s a platform for people to share advice on how to live a frugal lifestyle. And it’s been active ever since 2008. We’ve collected some of their best recent thrifty hacks below.
When you’re done enjoying this list and upvoting all of your favorite pics, make sure to drop by the comment section to share any frugal living tips that you might have, dear Pandas. And if you’re in the mood for some more r/Frugal goodness, be sure to check out Bored Panda’s previous article about the online community right over here.
Bored Panda was interested in learning more about frugal living and how to save money, so we reached out to financial expert Sam Dogen to get his take on things. Sam is the author of ‘Buy This, Not That: How to Spend Your Way to Wealth and Freedom’ and the founder of Financial Samurai. He told us that the number one thing that we should be doing is saving more money. Or, as he calls it, paying ourselves first.
"We need to always pay ourselves first by automatically contributing to our tax-advantaged retirement accounts and setting aside a recommended 20% or more of after-tax earnings to save and invest. The more you can make your savings and investing automatic, the better. People are surprisingly good at living on less," he said. You'll find our full interview with Sam below, dear Pandas.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Wanted New Fabric, Wouldn't Get New Fabric Until I Used My Old Stuff. Wanted A Rug, Didn't Want To Pay For A Rug. Two Birds, One Stone! Work In Progress. Made From New Batting (Less Than $20) And Scrap Fabric (Some 20+ Years Old). Not The Prettiest Thing I've Made, But I Like It
#2
Hi-Vis Jackets For Dogs Are Between $40 And $80 Nzd - I Brought A Second Hand Child’s Hi-Vis Jacket For $1 And It Fits Perfectly! Frugal Win!
#3
I Refuse To Pay The Silly Prices For A Stuffed Toy, My Son Wanted A Few Characters To Match The (British) Children’s TV Shows. So I Made Them From Felt Instead
According to author and financial expert Sam, people easily overspend on food and entertainment the most. Many of them aren't aware of how much they're actually spending.
"I was talking to one woman who thought she should only be spending $4,000 a month on food and entertainment. Yet, she always gets a credit card bill for $10,000 a month instead. She had no idea where all the money was going. When she finally did a detailed analysis, she realized she consistently overspent on food, drinks, and all sorts of automatic streaming subscriptions such as Netflix, Disney+, and more," he gave a specific example about the importance of taking a close look at one's finances.
#4
Rosemary Went Crazy In The Garden - So I’m Using Sprigs To Freshen The Bathroom - The Steam From The Shower Accentuates The Smell Keeping The Bathroom Smelling Fresh
AnnaBanana 2 years ago
When you said "Rosemary went crazy in the garden", my first thought was that Rosemary sounds like a really fun person!
#5
Crochet Swiffer Mops. Wet Refills Add Up With 2 Dogs. No More! Made 2 For $3/Ea And They Work Way Better Than The Refills
#6
I Am Too Cheap To Buy Cuff Links And I Work In A Machine Shop
Sam personally believes that we don't live in a throwaway culture. "Overall, we are becoming more conscientious of how we spend our money and recycle products. From buying secondhand cars, to getting hand-me-down children’s clothes, to buying used luxury items on the Internet, we are making our money go farther. But I do believe there will be more revenge spending going on this year and next year as we move on from the pandemic."
According to the expert, the biggest benefit of living frugally is saving yourself time, which is your greatest resource (alongside energy). "The less you need, the less you have to work. And the less you have to work, the more time you save to do whatever you want," he said.
"As a frugal person, there is also a mental decluttering. The fewer things you have, the more free feel. Attachment is one of the reasons for suffering. To be able to let go is a wonderful feeling and ability."
#7
I Drive Through A Nice Neighborhood On My Way To The Grocery Store. Found This Dyson Dc40 With A Free Sign With Other Household Items In The Yard. Brought It Home And The Suction Was Horrible. Watched A Single Youtube Video To Remove The Clogs - Needs A Good Clean But It Works Perfectly
Snorkeldorf 2 years ago
Same here. I have a beautiful oak coffee table and end table that I found out on the curb driving thru a very nice neighborhood. I honestly thought maybe the residents had set them out when they were getting their carpet cleaned or something. Not the case. Items were on the curb, it was a Sunday and we had rain coming in. Items were so heavy I called my friend to have her son come to the address, then lift and put them in his van for transport. Yes, I gave him money for his help. There is a very tiny bit of paint on the coffee table. A spot, to be exact. Not sure why the previous owners abandoned them but I am very grateful.
#8
Get A Library Card...
Sheila Stamey 2 years ago
Instead of buying books, you borrow them, same with movies,etc. Some libraries even have limited streaming services. For movies, and most have a good selection of audibles. My son, ( an adult) accidentally asked for edibles at the counter instead of asking where the audible books on cd were, that was a giggle.
#9
Vet Didn't Give Us Cones When They Got Neutered/Spayed So We Improvised! (We Made Sure They Could Breath And Eat Just Fine)
Henrik Schmidt 2 years ago
They don't look happy. But then, they probably wouldn't look happy with cones either.
For the r/Frugal crowd, frugality is a mental approach that people take when they think about resource allocation. “It includes time, money, convenience, and many other factors.” It’s all about wasting less and gaining more.
What’s more, the subreddit stresses that everyone has a slightly different understanding of what frugality and frugal living entails. So it’s best to enjoy the content and discuss things peacefully. Fights over semantics, on the other hand, aren’t very welcome. In short, the community is open to everyone and frowns on gatekeeping.
#10
Don't Forget About The Abandoned Paint Can Section Of Lowe's & Home Depot. Scored A Gallon Of This Color For Only $9!! You Can't Even Get A Sample For That Price. (Sorry, No Before Picture. We Were Too Excited To Wait)
#11
When Your Bar Soap Gets Wafer Thin, You Can Still Use It Up All The Way Be Pressing It Onto The Next Bar When It's Sudsy And Let It Dry
#12
Since We're Doing Greenhouses, I Built This At The Beginning Of Lockdown With Reclaimed Pvc, Wood, And Polyethylene Film For Greenhouses. It Held Up To 2' Of Snow On Top Over Last Winter As Well As A Handful Of Strong Wind Storms. No Plans, Just Boredom!
Earlier, Jake Butler from the ‘Save the Student’ team that advises British students on how to make their money go further, told Bored Panda about one way to save money. He took a look at food costs and how to reduce them, with regard to saying ‘no’ to fast-food and takeaways while learning to cook at home.
#13
My Fiancé Wanted To Flatten Her Pockets With An Iron But Realized We Didn’t Have One. Showed Her You Can Get By Using A Pot Of Boiling Water And A Spray Bottle. I Guess Growing Up Poor Can Come In Handy
#14
Downstairs Mini Fridge Stopped Working. Wife Said To Just Toss It And Get A New One. Watched A Couple Videos On How To Diagnose/Fix Refrigerator Issues. A $9 Replacement Overload Relay Later And It Works Again
Moneythink 2 years ago
I've done a lot of this, and yes, the internet is an amazing resource. Most things really aren't that hard - once you've found out how to do it.
#15
I Run A Small Coffee Cart; Just Discovered You Can Use Old Cartons As Coffee Trays!
Jake pointed out that you can save quite a lot of money if you choose to eat out less. However, this doesn’t mean having to wave ‘goodbye’ to your favorite meals. You can learn to cook them at home, whether with the help of a recipe book, advice on the internet, or video tutorials. The added bonus is that when you cook for yourself, you’re in total control of what goes into the meal. Nutritional control, here we come.
#16
Garden Cart I Made For My Wife. Nearly All Reused, Upcycled Or Free Materials
Mark Howell 2 years ago
My wife would love one of these and have me wheel her round all day, while she sips a strawberry daiquiri. ;o)
#17
Finally, A Pinterest Project That Worked Well And For Not Too Much $$
#18
Instead Of Buying A Home In Toronto We Helped Renovate My 91 Year Old Grandmothers Basement Into A Fully Self Contained 2 Bedroom Apartment. We’re Still In The City But Only Paying $700/ Month. Here’s The Master With Hand Me Down Solid Wood Furniture
“The good news is that you can easily recreate your favorites at home for a fraction of the price. It's much healthier this way too. Google is definitely your friend here as you can find fakeaway recipes from a number of sites,” he told Bored Panda.
#19
My Sister-In-Law's Christmas Tree
#20
I Refuse To My Buy My Baby Girl A "Feminine" Blanket When I Have A Perfectly Good One Leftover From My Son
#21
Fall Tip - Lots Of People With Apple Trees Don't Harvest; Never Hurts To Ask!
“During the lockdown, McDonald’s even released instructions on how to make their famous breakfast egg McMuffin at home,” Jake said that some companies were very friendly in how they treated their customers, empowering them to cook at home.
#22
Instead Of Buying New Skates I Got These Thrifting For 15$. Soaked Them In The Sink With Gentle Laundry Cleaner And Then Got A Permanent Fabric Marker From An Art Store. I Still Need To Get Laces For It Though
#23
I Restored My Own Headlights Today And Am Pretty Proud Of The Result. Saved Over $100 Compared To Taking It To A Shop
#24
This Cardboard Box Is Now His Favourite Spot (Super Old Towel Included)
“The good news is that the ingredients for most of these recipes aren't too pricey and you can still hunt for bargains to make the dish cheaper. Buying in bulk is always a winner too when it comes to saving money so it's a great idea to get together with friends and maybe take it in turns to make your favorite fakeaways,” he said.
#25
Prepping The Garden For Winter. We Pile Mulched Leaves, Add Mesh Or Whatever So The Leaves Don't Blow Off. Then Before The Snow Comes, We Cover With A Black Tarp. The Beds Warm Up Faster In The Spring And The Leaves Compost Down To Make Amazing Rich Soil For Planting
#26
Obvious But Not Obvious
#27
Zero Cost Urban Garden Project In Northern Canada. Harvesting Daily And Planting Quick Producing Cold Weather Crops Like Radishes, Spinach, Lettuce And Chard
JustAnother Soul 2 years ago
I love it. This has been the way since the beginning of civilization and is the way of the future. Everyone who can should do this.
The secret to good-tasting food, Jake told us, lies in the seasoning. “Salt and pepper won't break the bank, but they can make or break a meal. Don't forget that sugar can take a dish to the next level too.
#28
Didn't Had Bread But Didn't Want To Run To The Store Only For That (We Know It's Never Only For Just One Thing). I Had To Use The Oven Anyway, So... Here Is The Best Looking Bread I've Made In My Life
#29
My Tried-And-True, Almost Foolproof Method For Growing Endless Green Onions
#30
Made A DIY Cardboard House For My Bunnies. I Had My Eye On A $70 One On Etsy But This Works Just The Same. Besides Bunnies Don’t Care About Aesthetics
#31
Repurposing A Damaged Frying Pan, With A Bit Of Paint It's Now A Cool Decorative Bowl
#32
Found $128 Free People Sweater With Dark Stain For $15! I Covered It Up With Dip Dye, New Favorite Sweater!
Danielle Keller 2 years ago
Genuine question, how do you lock the dye? I'm concerned with running.
#33
Built My Own Sidewalk With Glacial Sand Dug Up From The Side Yard And Leftover Base Rocks Used During Home Construction
#34
I Finally Understand Why People Buy Large Cuts Of Meat When It Goes On Sale. Quit Job For School, Trying To Be More Frugal, And We Got 2 Large Top Roasts For Buy-One-Get-One-Free And Processed It/Cut It Up At Home Ourselves. Now We Have Meals For Days
#35
If You Live In An Apartment Complex Just Check The Dumpster Once In A While. Found A Working V6 Dyson And Just Had To Clear The Roller To Fix. People Throw Away Just About Anything
#36
Someone Left This Fully Functioning 32” Lg TV Out By The Dumpster. Luckily I Snagged It Before The Rain Moved In
#37
Does Anyone Else Love Making Frankenstein Meals? Cleaning Out The Fridge And Pantry And Using Up All The Odds And Ends Forces Me To Be Creative And Usually Results In Something Delicious And Unique
#38
My Favorite Wool Socks Still Had Perfect Tops But Thinned Out On The Bottom, So I Patched Them Up
Aran Lindvail 2 years ago
You can also unravel the lower part and reknit it with a different leftover wool.
#39
Fix For Broken Lid - Drilled A Hole In A Golf Ball And Screwed It On To My Crock Pot. No Need To Dig Up A New Lid. Golf Ball Cost: $0. Screw & Washer: Found In My Tool Box, So $0. Took Me About 10 Mins. New Pot Lid: $30 Or So, Or Replace Entire Crockpot, So Yay!
#40
Cut My Full-Size Sponge Into 3rds For Doing Dishes
#41
I Reuse Ziploc Bags Because They Are Expensive Af
#42
Yarn And Push Pins
#43
Decided To Refurbish My Old Headphones Instead Of Upgrading. $8 For A Pair Of Generic Pads And They Feel Like New!
CrunChewy McSandybutt 2 years ago
This is handy as my headphone need new pads. I'm glad I don't have to replace the whole unit!
#44
If Anyone Lives In Central Indiana, Brownsburg Goodwill Has A Bunch Of New Wedding Dresses For $19. Rumor Is A Wedding Dress Store Closed And Donated Remaining Stock
Burs 2 years ago
Or wear anything else. Wedding clothes are too overpriced (not this ones obviously). My best friend bought a nice normal dress for 50 euros and used it for her wedding. I will marry this year and I am just going to wear a simple suit and a blouse. Probably the same ones that i used for her wedding.
#45
Boyfriend And I Were Looking To Buy An Elliptical Which Can Be Hundreds To Almost 1,000 Dollars. Decided To Check Craigslist And Found This For Free! Works Great And Saved Us So Much Money
#46
Family & Friends Went “Gleaning” At A Local Farm. $40 For A Totally Frugal 3hour Family Outing And All The Food!
#47
Sneakers Repaired, Thank You Mom!
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
When sneakers get to that shape, the sole may be worn out to a point that can not be safe for your spine, and it might be worth it to get a new pair!
#48
Reusing Jars For Individual Cold Brew Teas And Loving It!
Moneythink 2 years ago
I want to re-use ALL the glass in which I buy stuff. It seems crazy to make glass, then at best melt it to make new stuff. And even that's uncertain; a lot of it just goes to the landfill. I want a grocery store that puts everything possible into mason jars, which they take back on your next trip.
#49
Well... I Had This "Disposable" Pepper Mill For About 14 Years And It Finally Bit The Dust. Just Refilled It Over The Years With Bulk Peppercorns. So Long Friend!
Moneythink 2 years ago
I had to order online to find peppercorns that did NOT have a grinder on top. Which is stupidly wasteful, but making the top virtually unremovable ensures that those who don't already have a pepper mill will buy the throwaway kind over and over.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
guible 2 years ago
if you click on the image source you go to the original post on reddit, normally you have instructions and people debate improvements to them there
Load More Replies...
Vanessa Richardson 2 years ago (edited)
Ok guys, here is an ACTUAL money saving tip that can be used on a regular basis: THE. WALMART. APP. I have saved TONS of money doing this! When you are in the store, open the app. There is a little barcode icon in the upper right corner. As you walk through the store, scan barcodes for everything that catches your interest and it will show the actual price of that item right now. There is ALWAYS unmarked clearance items, all over the store. Even if something is marked as clearance already, scan it too, because there’s a chance that it has been discounted further, but hasn’t been stickered yet. I have 3 kids, and I am always able to find $1 deals for clothes, shoes, backpacks, toys, you name it. Just yesterday, I bought two pairs of thick rubber rain boots for myself and my husband. Normally $18, they were $1 each but not marked as clearance🤗 EDIT: even if a tag shows something at full price, it will ring up as the price shown to you in the app. No need to get an associate to do price adjustments or anything.
Bill 2 years ago
I find the gaps in camera coverage. It saved me a bunch and now I can save money on living expenses for the next 6 months. Just kidding
Load More Replies...
Kimi Tomminello 2 years ago
Since when has spreadsheets showing how much you spent on things turned into a hack? Seriously, that's just any outline and varies drastically depending on cost of living where you're at.
No you can't have my name 2 years ago
I think the spreadsheet itself is supposed to be the hack because it helps you see each cost in one spot without having to hunt for the receipts.
Load More Replies... Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
SO many of these “Tips” are common sense, or come from a place of privilege. Come on, BP, do better.
Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
Thank you! I already feared I was the only one shaking my head at such brilliant "hacks" as mending your clothes, reusing glass containers or cooking and baking your own food instead of buying takeaway all the time. I already started to wonder if I was left over from a different century...
Load More Replies...
The Silly Stellar Jay 2 years ago
DIY in general saves money. For example, learn to cut out drywall and how to replace it, spackle and then paint. You will save a fortune. Most cosmetic fixes homeowners can do themselves. If you are particularly handy constructing your own shelving for seriously overpriced closet construction will also save a bundle. It's really not that hard after good planning and a YouTube tutorial.
Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago
One idea started by a friend is a WhatsApp and Telegram group of Freecycling. He invited those who knew in the group. Instead of wasting money shopping something, we give away. If i have something, from books to shoes to clothes to furniture and so on and don't need it, i offer it and someone who wants it and does not mind second hand asks and collects it. If someone wants something, he or she asks. If someone wants to give away, they do. Some times we ask for things to be lent. Many asked for mobiles, school stuff, etc for their maid or help's kids. It is a win win situation for all. We get rid of stuff and someone gets things. I got a lot of books, bags and so on
Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
That is a brilliant idea! I got many household items second hand from somebody who no longer needs them and I always give things away I no longer need. More often than not it is not really necessary to buy everything yourself if you can share with neighbours, friends and family. Not every household needs a snowplough of their own if you can arrange to have the whole street ploughed with just one...
Load More Replies...
K Witmer 2 years ago
I have been repurposing things for decades. I got wicker furniture when I turned 7 yrs old. I still have it and spray paint it for whatever I use it for. Currently it's being used in our bamboo patio my husband built. The headboard made the perfect backing for a bench w cushions as a couch
jk nbt 2 years ago (edited)
I make ghetto lemonade instead of buying drink mix. Recycle a pop plastic bottle and fill it almost to the top with water. When chilled in the fridge, pour in a little lemon juice concentrate. Add sugar to taste. Saves 90% of the cost of drink mix, every little bit helps.
Christy Wright 2 years ago
I didn't realize that was considered ghetto lemonade. I have always made lemonade this way.
Load More Replies... jk nbt 2 years ago (edited)
I recycled my old refrigerator to become a bulb chiller. It has lost enough freon that the freezer will not freeze. It only gets down to about 35 degF. I live on the Texas gulf coast. The darn global warming has resulted in very mild winters. There are not enough chill hours to set the blooms on tulips, daffodils, or any eastern woodlands type bulb plants. Next year I will try growing german bearded iris in pots or flats. They have to have everything chilled while remaining planted in dirt. They will not bloom at all if you dig them up like tulips. I will be the only one in the county that has german iris in bloom. The refrigerator does not take up too much room in the garage for a plant enthusiast like me. I have not seen any german bearded iris blooming around here for years. The plants grow leaves but never bloom. I am not growing them for the leaves.
Miriam Gwynn 2 years ago
I cannot recommend backyard hens enough if you have space for them and your family likes eggs. I got a small coop for free from a neighbor (and you can build one for less than $150) and 3 chicks plus 3 months of feed and a feeder and waterer came to less than $50. Eggs are about $4/dozen where I am and I get 12 in 4 days from my hens. I eat some and sell the rest for cheap to my neighbors. 1 50lb bag of feed (~$18) lasts me about 3 months in the summer because the chickens eat mostly plants and bugs and 1.5 months in the winter. Plus, they can be fed most leftovers, including meat, and they’re pretty cute and fun to have around. My family otherwise goes through upwards of a dozen eggs a week and the chickens more than pay for themselves in production.
Menacia Jones 2 years ago
Saved at least $500 by buying and replacing a $9 rocker switch on a three way light switch.
Izzy Curer 2 years ago (edited)
Some of these are clever, but most are too niche to be of use to anybody, or they're really obvious. Finding a random deal in a thrift store is not a life hack. Neither is sewing up a hole or doing a basic repair. Is line-drying your clothes really considered a hack, these days?
Memere 2 years ago
Lots of good ideas here, and yes, a lot of them are just basic sense things that a lot of people already know & use. But we need to keep sharing all the 'tips' so everyone can learn & grow. I was raised on a farm by parents who grew up during the Great Depression. It took 6 weeks of 3 day weekends to clear out their house of all the "perfectly good" glass jars, pieces of lumber, magazines, etc. But I still re-use, repurpose, & recycle everything I can. And I've taught my son to do the same.
guible 2 years ago
if you click on the image source you go to the original post on reddit, normally you have instructions and people debate improvements to them there
Load More Replies... Vanessa Richardson 2 years ago (edited)
Ok guys, here is an ACTUAL money saving tip that can be used on a regular basis: THE. WALMART. APP. I have saved TONS of money doing this! When you are in the store, open the app. There is a little barcode icon in the upper right corner. As you walk through the store, scan barcodes for everything that catches your interest and it will show the actual price of that item right now. There is ALWAYS unmarked clearance items, all over the store. Even if something is marked as clearance already, scan it too, because there’s a chance that it has been discounted further, but hasn’t been stickered yet. I have 3 kids, and I am always able to find $1 deals for clothes, shoes, backpacks, toys, you name it. Just yesterday, I bought two pairs of thick rubber rain boots for myself and my husband. Normally $18, they were $1 each but not marked as clearance🤗 EDIT: even if a tag shows something at full price, it will ring up as the price shown to you in the app. No need to get an associate to do price adjustments or anything.
Bill 2 years ago
I find the gaps in camera coverage. It saved me a bunch and now I can save money on living expenses for the next 6 months. Just kidding
Load More Replies... Kimi Tomminello 2 years ago
Since when has spreadsheets showing how much you spent on things turned into a hack? Seriously, that's just any outline and varies drastically depending on cost of living where you're at.
No you can't have my name 2 years ago
I think the spreadsheet itself is supposed to be the hack because it helps you see each cost in one spot without having to hunt for the receipts.
Load More Replies... Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
SO many of these “Tips” are common sense, or come from a place of privilege. Come on, BP, do better.
Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
Thank you! I already feared I was the only one shaking my head at such brilliant "hacks" as mending your clothes, reusing glass containers or cooking and baking your own food instead of buying takeaway all the time. I already started to wonder if I was left over from a different century...
Load More Replies... The Silly Stellar Jay 2 years ago
DIY in general saves money. For example, learn to cut out drywall and how to replace it, spackle and then paint. You will save a fortune. Most cosmetic fixes homeowners can do themselves. If you are particularly handy constructing your own shelving for seriously overpriced closet construction will also save a bundle. It's really not that hard after good planning and a YouTube tutorial.
Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago
One idea started by a friend is a WhatsApp and Telegram group of Freecycling. He invited those who knew in the group. Instead of wasting money shopping something, we give away. If i have something, from books to shoes to clothes to furniture and so on and don't need it, i offer it and someone who wants it and does not mind second hand asks and collects it. If someone wants something, he or she asks. If someone wants to give away, they do. Some times we ask for things to be lent. Many asked for mobiles, school stuff, etc for their maid or help's kids. It is a win win situation for all. We get rid of stuff and someone gets things. I got a lot of books, bags and so on
Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
That is a brilliant idea! I got many household items second hand from somebody who no longer needs them and I always give things away I no longer need. More often than not it is not really necessary to buy everything yourself if you can share with neighbours, friends and family. Not every household needs a snowplough of their own if you can arrange to have the whole street ploughed with just one...
Load More Replies... K Witmer 2 years ago
I have been repurposing things for decades. I got wicker furniture when I turned 7 yrs old. I still have it and spray paint it for whatever I use it for. Currently it's being used in our bamboo patio my husband built. The headboard made the perfect backing for a bench w cushions as a couch
jk nbt 2 years ago (edited)
I make ghetto lemonade instead of buying drink mix. Recycle a pop plastic bottle and fill it almost to the top with water. When chilled in the fridge, pour in a little lemon juice concentrate. Add sugar to taste. Saves 90% of the cost of drink mix, every little bit helps.
Christy Wright 2 years ago
I didn't realize that was considered ghetto lemonade. I have always made lemonade this way.
Load More Replies... jk nbt 2 years ago (edited)
I recycled my old refrigerator to become a bulb chiller. It has lost enough freon that the freezer will not freeze. It only gets down to about 35 degF. I live on the Texas gulf coast. The darn global warming has resulted in very mild winters. There are not enough chill hours to set the blooms on tulips, daffodils, or any eastern woodlands type bulb plants. Next year I will try growing german bearded iris in pots or flats. They have to have everything chilled while remaining planted in dirt. They will not bloom at all if you dig them up like tulips. I will be the only one in the county that has german iris in bloom. The refrigerator does not take up too much room in the garage for a plant enthusiast like me. I have not seen any german bearded iris blooming around here for years. The plants grow leaves but never bloom. I am not growing them for the leaves.
Miriam Gwynn 2 years ago
I cannot recommend backyard hens enough if you have space for them and your family likes eggs. I got a small coop for free from a neighbor (and you can build one for less than $150) and 3 chicks plus 3 months of feed and a feeder and waterer came to less than $50. Eggs are about $4/dozen where I am and I get 12 in 4 days from my hens. I eat some and sell the rest for cheap to my neighbors. 1 50lb bag of feed (~$18) lasts me about 3 months in the summer because the chickens eat mostly plants and bugs and 1.5 months in the winter. Plus, they can be fed most leftovers, including meat, and they’re pretty cute and fun to have around. My family otherwise goes through upwards of a dozen eggs a week and the chickens more than pay for themselves in production.
Menacia Jones 2 years ago
Saved at least $500 by buying and replacing a $9 rocker switch on a three way light switch.
Izzy Curer 2 years ago (edited)
Some of these are clever, but most are too niche to be of use to anybody, or they're really obvious. Finding a random deal in a thrift store is not a life hack. Neither is sewing up a hole or doing a basic repair. Is line-drying your clothes really considered a hack, these days?
Memere 2 years ago
Lots of good ideas here, and yes, a lot of them are just basic sense things that a lot of people already know & use. But we need to keep sharing all the 'tips' so everyone can learn & grow. I was raised on a farm by parents who grew up during the Great Depression. It took 6 weeks of 3 day weekends to clear out their house of all the "perfectly good" glass jars, pieces of lumber, magazines, etc. But I still re-use, repurpose, & recycle everything I can. And I've taught my son to do the same.
Related on Bored Panda
